Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf declares 'a new phase in the conflict has begun': An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth equation

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has reacted to US and Israeli attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure.

In a post on his social media account, Ghalibaf pointed to street protest calls by anti-regime groups, stating, "Last night, the Iranian people thwarted all the enemy's plans. The enemy, angry and desperate against the Iranian people, is attacking infrastructure to hide its defeats on the ground."

Addressing the consequences of these attacks, Ghalibaf noted that this approach would lead to severe repercussions for the opposing side, adding, "However, this is tantamount to suicide for them. The equation of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is now in effect, and a new phase in the conflict has begun."

Tensions rose on Chaharshanbe Suri night

In Iran, where the Solar Hijri calendar is used, the Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations held on the last Wednesday night of the year before the New Year (Nowruz) went beyond being a traditional event this year and became the focus of political debate. This night, when people normally go out into the streets to light fires, has long been viewed by opposition groups as an opportunity for "street protests." In this context, some opposition figures, most notably Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the deposed Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, called on the public via social media to take to the streets and use the night as a platform for protest.

Pro-regime supporters took to the squares

The Iranian administration, having anticipated this possibility, increased security measures, while Chief of Police Ahmad Reza Radan stated that the celebrations could be provoked by regime opponents and called on pro-regime supporters not to leave the squares empty. Following this call, pro-regime supporters gathered in large crowds in many cities across Iran.